Tackling ‘scourge’ of unemployment

THE “scourge of unemployment” in Ennis and its environs needs to be tackled, with 6,000 unemployed and a further 6,000 jobs needed in the town by 2020, according to one local councillor.

At a recent meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Johnny Flynn urged an Ennis and Environs Economic Task Force be set up to urgently lobby to address unemployment and for the provision of new jobs in Ennis.
“The scourge of unemployment has struck the town and its environment. Unemployment has gone from 2,000, four years ago to 6,000. It has been projected that we would need up to 6,000 new jobs in Ennis by 2020 to achieve the targets of population growth of up to 10,000 in Ennis as a hub town. The town council should take a role in driving Ennis as a hub town. We need to put down a clear marker to Government and any organisations that Ennis is not going to be left in the hinterlands. The people of Ennis need to demand these 6,000 jobs.”
Councillor Tommy Brennan commented on the need for a proper sewerage system. “We need proper funding, without that we can’t develop the town and get in proper jobs, there has not been an announcement of industrial jobs here for years.”
Councillor Mary Coote Ryan described the unemployment figures for the town as “shocking” as she lent her support to Councillor Flynn. Councillor Frankie Neylon echoed Councillor Brennan’s concerns about the sewerage system. He added, “We are going nowhere unless we stand up and fight and we need our four TDs to come around this table as soon as possible.”
Councillor Paul O’Shea suggested a meeting be held with Labour and Fine Gael members of Clare County Council, the Oireachtas and Ennis Town Council and he urged that both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste be made aware of their concerns.
Town manager Ger Dollard, in response to Councillor Flynn’s motion, commented, “There is already in place, through the Clare County Development Board, an Enterprise Partnership Forum, which comprises representatives at a senior level of all the main agencies involved in enterprise and economic development. As well as meeting in formal sessions on a regular basis, there is ongoing contact between the parties on specific issues. One of the main purposes of the Enterprise Partnership Forum is to focus on the implementation of the Clare County Enterprise Strategy. The existing structure works well and ensures a focus on Ennis and it being designated hub town under the National Spatial Strategy.
“Through the Enterprise Partnership Forum, an initiative has also been implemented whereby a Regional Innovation Centre, Ennis Innovate, has been established at the Information Age Park in Ennis. This innovative facility, based in Ennis town, is targeted at promoting and assisting enterprises that ultimately will base themselves in Ennis and the wider county and create further employment in their specific area of activity. This initiative is financially supported by Ennis Town Council.
“The council also has a direct liaison in place with businesses located on the Gort Road Business Park to ensure the employment content at the Business Park can be maintained and expanded. A number of IDA-supported companies are located in the park. Through regular meetings, involving Shannon Development, Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council, issues on the park are addressed and the agencies assist in working with the companies involved on any expansion plans.
It is my view that the structures already in place serve to provide a strong focus on Ennis and the creation of a further structure will only draw on the same agencies and individuals that are already working to progress economic development and enterprise initiatives for the benefit of Ennis and the wider area.”